Mahler 4th Symphony part 4. Kathleen Battle

[grahamcaldecott]

I find this music, this interpretation utterly beautiful. It's almost hard to believe that a mere human being could write anything so perfect.

[kappaklass]

Wow!!!! I don't think I have heard anything soooo passionate, moving and touching as Kathleen Battle singing one of the most moving librettos written in a symphony...Kudos!!! Just stunning. Lorin Maazel...excellent interpretation....WAIT...Say it aint so...INCOMPLETE...Wow, where is the finished version...

[vicenteyf]

a pity it's not complete...

[cristianfcao]

It is too slow perhaps, but BOY what a PERFECT voice and interpretation.

[bassmusic6]

@cristianfcao

NOT too slow! Amazing tempi !!

[johnnypoker46]

A remarkable piece of music. In my humble opinion this is the best version on Youtube because it's the only one not conducted too fast (I first heard the track with Szell / Raskin which still sounds definitive). "Sich zeit lassen" means "take your time", does it not?

[eyesk8er]

@johnnypoker46 I agree with you. Szell, Raskin & The Cleveland Orchestra are still the standard by which all others should be measured.

[MrGolovetskiy]

Wonderful!!!

[GregFox100]

@ all the ppl who've misunderstood this: it's PRECISELY what's called for in the non-specific tempo markings and the spirit of the ''vision of 'heaven''' song........ this is Mahler's grimmest, most pessimistic moment...... I'm really quite surprised he survived it without suiciding........... seriously

[melissaalisonp]

My sentiments exactly! Absolutely beautiful!

[billyguns2]

Maazel must've been on drugs; the tempo is contrary to Mahler's instructions and even though Battle is ideal for the solo, she can hardly sound sprightly at this tempo. Ridiculous, self indulgent and preposterous conducting from an egomaniac.

[exxcalibur1973]

@billyguns2 It is an interpretation - chill petal. Would you rather have the same thing played everywhere by every conductor? Having said that, it is a beautiful rendering of a movement that can, at times, be somewhat abrasive. The world - and my life - is all the better for it.

[Nachtmarchen]

@billyguns2 "Contrary to Mahler's instructions"? It's impossible to judge the tempo at section 3 without hearing the first movement of his performance, otherwise Maazel does his best to observe Mahler's characteristically ambiguous amalgamations of tempo/phrasing/expression markings to the letter. Did you mean the annotation that calls for "child-like light-hearted expression, thoroughly without parody" in the beginning? That one is frequently subverted by written-out intervals and rhythms.

[stratplayer100]

This is slow, but I like it more this way. Specially from 7:00 to the end. And the voice is perfect 'cause it has softness. Great!

[exxcalibur1973]

@stratplayer100 Yup yup- a famously exquisite performance in those last 3-5 minutes after the orchestra settles down. Just ethereally divine. Where do people like Mahler find this amazing capacity to express such remarkable breathtaking beauty? Blargh- just amazing. Music like this is such a drug!

[ghpiano100]

Can it be any slower?

[saxamaphoneguy1]

Mahler is such a geniusssss. gahh I love him.

[ekjaer67]

Much too slow but fine voice. But I prefer Camilla Tilling (Benjamin Zander and Philharmonia) or what about Helmut Wittek´s beautiful boy soprano with Bernstein and Concertgebouw.

[edgluhrs]

@ekjaer67 Perfect voice and pace, I think. Max Emanuel Cencic in Nanut's recording is also well worth hearing!

[eze102]

Gosh breathtakingly beautiful

[eze102]

Gosh breathtakingly beautiful

[Vagabond1951]

Sorry about the multiple posts, guys...I got caught by the delay.

[Vagabond1951]

It is a bit slow for my taste, but I'll gladly make that trade for Kathleen Battle's childlike voice, which for my money is ideal for this music. The only better performance I ever heard was Reri Grist with Bernstein and the NY Phil.

[Vagabond1951]

It is a bit slow for my taste, but I'll gladly make that trade for Kathleen Battle's childlike voice, which for my money is ideal for this music. The only better performance I ever heard was Reri Grist with Bernstein and the NY Phil.

[elfmansrhapsody1]

This is much, much, much too slow.

[inthedesert2008]

I have this recording on CD - I never knew much about Battle but have always loved it. Stories of her career make me very sad....she had much much music in her before she stopped opera performances - very sad.

[lilyw1000]

Hi Intthesert2008, I don't knew Battle either. However, I love her voice is the best! Just wonder would you be kindly advice where can buy her recording CD? Why she gave up her career? She has such beautiful voice!!!

[inthedesert2008]

I wouldn't like to judge her - but she was apparently very unpopular with other artists. She was eventually sacked from a show at the Met, and never performed an opera again. Many singers went for another 20 or more years after she stopped at a similar age. I find it sad it came to this - someone who is a great musician should never retire under such circumstances.

[lilyw1000]

@inthedesert2008 - May I share yur recording CD on this please? I love her such beautiful voice as the best!!!

[lilyw1000]

@inthedesert2008 - May I ask you one question if you could assist that would be great appreciated?

To be honestly, I do really like Mahler No 4, by Ms Katheelen Battle. However, I have been look around music shops in Sydney, just could not find this CD.

[lilyw1000]

This is one of my favariest Mahler in No. 4.Kathleen - you are the best! Thank you!

[cageynerd]

This is my FAVORITE!, omg, I love Mahler sooo much...

[dpk242]

This is the recording that I hear when I think of this movement of Mahler 4. KB at her best.